STOKE VS MAN United: Osaze expects close game

Nigeria’s Osaze Odemwingie is expecting a close game between Stoke City and Manchester United even as he remains confident that it is just a matter of time before he will start doing what he has been asked for – scoring goals.

The 32-year-old Nigerian made his Stoke debut on Wednesday, playing all 90 minutes against Cardiff.

“I’m confident now I’m here that I can score goals straight away. I didn’t get many chances at Cardiff and that will be different here. We have a physical, strong team and that should suit me.

“I thought I was going to score on my debut, but I should have gone for power rather than placement when I had a chance in the second half.

“I wanted to make sure I hit the target, but I should have just blasted it,” the Nigeria international added while stressing that he will do better in the future starting from today’s clash against Manchester United at Britannia Stadium.

“I don’t mind playing centrally or wide. I think I will get chances wherever and I’m confident I can put them away, hopefully starting against Manchester United.

“It will be tough, of course,” he concedes, “but we can look forward to taking on anyone at the Britannia Stadium.

“I wasn’t here when we beat Chelsea, but I saw (the highlights) on television and it was a special performance. That’s what we’ll need again.

“Stoke are strong at home and we have to carry that on. It will be a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to play in it as a Stoke player.

“It’s always a big game against Manchester United, but all our games are important now. We have to start better and we need to pick up points. If we have to fight, I’m prepared to fight,” Osaze said.